Murless head extractor; obstetrical vectis, England c. 1948-1980

Murless head extractor, a type of vectis with moveable blade Murless head extractor; obstetrical vectis, England c. 1948-1980

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Murless head extractor, a type of vectis with moveable blade
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Murless head extractor, a type of vectis with moveable blade, stainless steel and aluminium, by Allen and Hanburys Ltd., English, 1920-1980, probably about 1948-1980

The Murless head extractor is a lever-type instrument. It alters the position of the baby’s head. It is a contemporary variation of a simple obstetrical instrument called a vectis. However, the Murless head extractor is specifically used in caesarean section operations. It is named after its inventor, B. C. Murless, of Durban in South Africa. He devised the instrument in 1948. It is still used. Obstetrics is the branch of medicine dealing with the care of pregnant women, childbirth and recovery after childbirth.

Details

Category:
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
Object Number:
1989-790
Materials:
handle, aluminium, blade, brass and blade, chrome (plated)
Measurements:
overall: 190 mm x 190 mm x 55 mm, .247kg
type:
obstetrical vectis
credit:
Institute of Obstetrics & Gynaecology